Page 38 of Kiren

Kiren:He’s really great. Tall and handsome, too. You’ll like him.

Dad:Fantastic. We’re so happy for you.

Max gotup and went to the kitchen. I heard him scratching around, probably looking for snacks to have while we played games. But it was also obvious he left me to text in private.

Kiren:Guys. I need to ask you favor.

Mom:What is it?

Kiren:Please don’t talk about the accident in front of him, yet. I haven’t really said anything. I’m not ready.

Dad:We’ll keep quiet.

Mom:But you do know you’re going to have to tell him everything. You can’t keep something like that from your boyfriend. Oh, that sounds so nice to say. You have a boyfriend!

Kiren:Thank you. And I will tell him. About everything I went through and the upcoming surgeries I still have planned for next year. But I want it to be the right time.

Dad:Don’t wait too long, son. Keeping secrets from someone you want to be with isn’t good.

Kiren:I know. And Mom, I’m very excited, too, that I can say I have a boyfriend.

Mom:It’s been a long time, honey. We just want you to be happy and healthy.

Kiren:I love you both.

Mom:I love you.

Dad:I love you. Over and out.

Kiren:Over and out.

Over and out had always been meand Dad’s way of saying goodbye.

I looked up as Max came back into the living room with chips and dip, and a plate of veggies and dip.

“It’s all set,” I said.

“Good. What time?”

“Six.”

“We’ll leave from work together.”

I shut one eye, thinking. “Won’t people see us?”

“Hmm. Good point. Do they live closer to your place or mine?”

“Yours,” I said.

“We’ll drive both cars to my place, then switch out to one car.”

“Daddy, you always have the best ideas.”

“That’s what daddies are for.”

13

Max